The Government is being urged to extend the HS2 project into Lancashire Credit: PA Images

A leading business figure has called on the Government to bring the planned HS2 rail link into Lancashire.

The chief executive of North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has called on the Government to reconsider the current proposals that do not extend beyond Manchester.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has promised that HS2 will go ahead as planned following the Conservatives' victory in last month's General Election.

In a keynote speech in Leeds, Mr McLoughlin said work on the connection between Birmingham and London would begin in 2017, with the ‘Y network’ – the lines to Leeds and Manchester – following soon after.

While welcoming Mr McLoughlin’s comments, NWLCC Chief Executive Babs Murphy said: 'I would ask the Government to reconsider its decision to end the line at Manchester and bring it into Lancashire.'

'We have waited a long time for developments on HS2 and while it is good news the Government plans to finally get going on it, it would be even better for Lancashire if the county was to benefit more directly.'

'The North West of England however does not stop at Manchester. Extending the line to Preston would provide a greater connectivity not just to Lancashire but to Cumbria, Scotland and the whole of the North West.'

Mr McLoughlin said: 'The General Election result was a massive vote of confidence in favour of HS2.'

'So the argument has been won. HS2 will be built, the full ‘Y’ network, from London to Birmingham and Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds, with construction starting in just two years.'

'This is the best opportunity in well over a century to level the playing field between north and south.'

“Not by dragging London down, but by firing up the rest of the country - the East and West Midlands and the new Northern Powerhouse - with transport connections that match the very best in Europe.”

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The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee will be in Mancheester to discuss the high speed rail link. They'll hear evidence from Town Hall bossess over what potential benefits HS2 will bring to the region and what needs to be improved.

The evidence sessions are open to the public. Click herefor full details.